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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his reference to the historic “Operation Wetie” during the opposition political parties’ summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, describing his comments as reckless and capable of inciting violence.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said Governor Makinde’s remarks were a dangerous invocation of one of Nigeria’s darkest periods of political violence and a direct threat to national peace and security.
The APC said it was particularly disturbing that a sitting governor and Chief Security Officer of his state would reference such a violent historical episode while alleging that Nigeria was sliding into a one-party state.
According to the party, Makinde’s comments went beyond ordinary opposition rhetoric and risked fueling anarchy, widespread lawlessness, and instability across the country.
The party declared that by what it described as incitement to violence, the governor had shown himself to be unworthy of the office he occupies.
It called on relevant security and intelligence agencies to take the matter seriously and act swiftly to protect lives, property, and Nigeria’s democratic order.
The APC also reminded the governor that constitutional immunity from prosecution does not amount to immunity from accountability, especially on matters concerning national security and public safety.
The party insisted that no public office holder, regardless of status, should be allowed to threaten the peace and safety of Nigerians under the guise of political commentary.
Reacting to opposition claims of an alleged move toward a one-party state, the APC dismissed such assertions as attempts by what it described as confused opposition leaders to cover up their own internal failures.
It argued that opposition parties were victims of self-inflicted crises caused by poor leadership, internal contradictions, disregard for due process, and intense presidential ambitions among their leaders.
The ruling party specifically accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of destabilising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through what it called his “ruthless confiscation” of the party’s 2023 presidential ticket in violation of its zoning principle.
It also took a swipe at Peter Obi, describing the former Labour Party presidential candidate as politically restless and accusing him of constantly moving from one political platform to another in search of an uncontested presidential ticket.
The APC further described the African Democratic Congress (ADC), now being projected by some opposition leaders as a coalition platform for 2027, as a failed political arrangement weakened by what it termed reckless leadership struggles among opposition figures.
According to the statement, opposition leaders have failed to build sustainable political institutions and instead move from one party to another, leaving instability in their wake.
The party maintained that Nigerians would not entrust governance to politicians who, in its words, cannot manage their own internal party affairs.
It said the opposition had failed to present any credible alternative vision for national development and was relying instead on fear-mongering and false narratives against the APC-led administration.
The APC insisted it had no responsibility to help opposition parties manage their crises and would not succumb to political blackmail ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and delivering on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for national peace, unity, and prosperity.
